The command said the enforcement exercise follows a directive from the Inspector-General of Police and is aimed at preventing criminals from exploiting unidentifiable vehicles while enhancing public safety.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, has directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Team Commanders across the state to seize vehicles found violating the directive and ensure that appropriate investigations are carried out in line with existing laws.
The command explained that the operation also covers vehicles displaying fake, altered, improperly issued or otherwise unlawful registration number plates.
“The Ogun State Police Command has commenced statewide enforcement against vehicles operating with covered, obscured, defaced, concealed, unauthorised, or no registration number plates, in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.
“The exercise is aimed at strengthening security, enhancing public safety, and denying criminal elements the anonymity often exploited in the commission of crimes,” the statement partly read.
Police authorities, however, clarified that the directive does not apply to vehicles officially permitted to display flags in accordance with approved protocols.
The command urged motorists, commercial transport operators, fleet managers and vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles carry properly issued and clearly visible registration number plates at all times.
It stressed that the initiative is not designed to harass law-abiding residents but rather to improve the effectiveness of security agencies in identifying vehicles, investigating criminal activities and tracking suspects.
“The Ogun State Police Command wishes to advise motorists, transport operators, fleet owners, and members of the public to ensure that their vehicles carry valid, duly issued, and clearly visible registration number plates at all times.
“This exercise is not intended to inconvenience law-abiding citizens but to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies to identify vehicles, investigate crimes, track criminal suspects, and strengthen the overall security architecture of Ogun State,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the command called on residents to cooperate with security agencies and continue providing useful and timely information that could aid crime prevention and investigation.
The police also assured members of the public that personnel participating in the operation have been instructed to carry out their duties professionally, respectfully and strictly within the provisions of the law.